That said, it’s super expensive! Insurance doesn’t cover it and the cost can be considerable. Is there any way I can safely and legally cut costs when it comes to accessing this amazing plant?

— Penny Pincher

Dear Penny,

I feel you! I am always looking for the best deal, whether it’s via my Costco membership, Groupon, or coupons. So, why not with weed?

Insurance does not cover medical cannabis, and it can be hard on people to continuously pay out of pocket, particularly if they go through a significant amount of it per week. One thing to look into is the possibility of growing your own cannabis. While this does require an initial investment and doesn’t have an immediate payoff, it might be something to consider for long-term needs.

In the short-term, there are a few things to do. I spoke with a budtender at my own local medical dispensary. They said that on occasion, if there are financial hardships, they are able to offer discounts. She said that they already offer discounts to veterans or members of the armed forces. She also said that many dispensaries are aware of the financial constraints of their patients, so it never hurts to ask what deals they might be offering. And, some dispensaries offer a free eight or a credit for folks who get friends to sign up. You might need to start figuring out which of your friends should be smoking along with you in hopes that you can score some free herb.

I mentioned Groupon before, and while there isn’t a full-on nationwide Groupon-like site for cannabis out there yet, there are more localized versions that can get you a great deal. If you live in Portland, Ore., Daily Leaf Deals will help you find the best deals on flowers, edibles, oil, and more. Depending on the daily deals, you can save anywhere from 10 to 75 percent!

CannaSaver is another Groupon-esque site for cannabis, with a focus of finding you the best prices in Colorado. It’s set up in a user-friendly way and you can search by dispensary, keyword, or by deals and specials.

Good luck to you as you search for ways to lower your cannabis costs. And, hey, with the holidays right around the corner, maybe you can ask Santa for a little something?

— Mother

published on December 19, 2016

Mother Knows Best

Mother Knows Best is written by a freelance writer with over 20 years of experience with cannabis. And yes, she also happens to be a mother, just not yours. Reach her with your question at MotherKnowsMerryJane@gmail.com.